Whitgift CCF aboard HMS Ocean 2017

Six cadets from Whitgift’s CCF, comprising members from Whitgift School, St Andrew’s CE School and Thomas More Catholic School, had the privilege over the summer of travelling with the CCF Royal Navy Section, on board their flagship HMS Ocean.

Their journey started in Sunderland, where a huge crowd waved off the ship. The boys were kept busy over the next couple of days, experiencing a life that was very different to what they are used to; for example, sleeping in a 12-man mess stacked three bunks high. They adapted quickly though, getting to grips with how the ship was run and waking up early for physical training in the ship’s hangar before breakfast.

A highlight of the trip for the cadets was the opportunity to ride in an LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) – sitting inside the vehicle as it was lowered off the side of the ship into the sea. They also observed a Merlin and Chinook flying and carrying out practice landings.

Rory Green-Molloy, Upper Fifth Former at Whitgift, commented, “I really enjoyed my time on the ship, as I was always busy, learnt lots about the Navy and got an insight into life on board such a huge vessel.”